Live Firing Of The New Carl-Gustaf M4 In The United Kingdom

Defence and security company Saab successfully demonstrated the new Carl-Gustaf M4 during the British Army’s Close Combat Symposium live firing demonstration at West Lavington, England on 20 July.

The purpose of the Close Combat Symposium was to examine future capability requirements for ground manoeuvre combat forces, both mounted and dismounted, as well as to identify current capability gaps and to examine current and future threats. Representatives from military, procurement agencies, R&D staff and industry from all over the world took part in this year’s event.

“The Close Combat Symposium has become an important annual event and it was great to be part of it. A live firing demonstration to an international audience is a rare opportunity and generates a powerful impact as they get to witness the multi-purpose capabilities of the Carl-Gustaf system” says Alex Anderson, Director Marketing & Sales UK for ground combat systems.

Saab’s part of the demonstration used a tactical scenario in which Saab personnel acted as an infantry patrol carrying the Carl-Gustaf M4 and a selection of rounds for the weapon. Employing a wide range of ammunition types, the Carl-Gustaf system allows dismounted soldiers to defeat multiple challenges – from neutralising armoured vehicles to clearing obstacles and engaging enemies in buildings. In the first scenario the patrol engaged and defeated an enemy vehicle using the HEPD 502 (High Explosive Dual Purpose) round set to impact mode. At the same time, the patrol came under fire from an enemy unit positioned inside a building nearby. The patrol returned fire, destroying the enemy position using the HEDP 502 round set to delay mode. A further two enemy positions – this time entrenched outside the effective range of small-arms – were neutralised in less than 60 seconds using four rounds of HE441D rounds set to airburst above their trenches.

The gunner then moved into another firing location without his assistant gunner and fired two more rounds to demonstrate the Carl-Gustaf’s single soldier operation capability. Finally, two smoke rounds were fired to support the team’s withdrawal from their position.

“The Carl-Gustaf is a unique support weapon in that it allows a unit that has come under enemy fire to not only suppress the enemy, but successfully end the engagement with a very limited number of rounds”, says Anders Haster, Director Business Management, at business unit Ground Combat within business area Dynamics.

“As the new M4 is qualified to be carried and transported loaded, the reaction time is extremely short. You can basically return fire instantaneously,” says Haster.

The Carl-Gustaf is a world-leading weapon system within the support weapon category. It has been constantly modernised and enhanced to meet users’ changing needs. The latest version, the Carl-Gustaf M4, reduces the weight from 10 kg to less than 7 kg. Carl-Gustaf is a battle-winning system for soldiers operating in demanding environments.

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Saab serves the global market with world-leading products, services and solutions within military defence and civil security. Saab has operations and employees on all continents around the world. Through innovative, collaborative and pragmatic thinking, Saab develops, adopts and improves new technology to meet customers’ changing needs.